Photo: jcrader / iStock / Getty Images
A tragic accident occurred on Saturday (October 18) when a 13-year-old boy fell 200 feet from a bluff at Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The boy, identified as Kayleb Lynn Eddings, was found unresponsive by his father, Toby Eddings, who was among the first to reach him. The incident took place near Brewer Bluff in the park's Middle District, according to a Facebook post by Buffalo National River.
Emergency responders, including park staff, search-and-rescue volunteers, fire crews, and Survival Flight, quickly arrived at the scene. Members of the Harrison Fire Department rappelled approximately 260 feet down the bluff, while park rangers approached from the river below to assist in the recovery.
Officials reported that Kayleb was with a friend when he lost his footing near the edge of the overlook and slipped from a lookout point. The National Park Service (NPS) and the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the incident. Despite the tragedy, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, which oversees the NPS, confirmed that there are no advisories in the area and no danger to the public.
Kayleb was an eighth grader at Ozark Mountain School District and is remembered by his family as a kind and joyful boy. His obituary describes him as having a "bright, jovial personality" and being loved by everyone who met him. He enjoyed riding his four-wheeler, collecting Hot Wheels, hunting with his grandfather, and spending time with friends and family.
A celebration of life for Kayleb will be held on Thursday (October 23) at the St. Joe School gymnasium in St. Joe, Arkansas.
In the wake of this incident, park officials have reminded visitors that the terrain in the Buffalo National River area can be rugged and steep, urging people to stay a safe distance from the edge when enjoying overlooks.